UNCA Costa Rica Study Abroad Course Alcohol and Other Substances Policy
The drinking age in Costa Rica is 18. Under Costa Rican law all participants in the UNC Asheville Study Abroad course are permitted to drink alcoholic beverages. Illicit drugs are 100% illegal in Costa Rica and the United States, and if you are charged with possession you can be fined and imprisoned depending on the severity of the offense.
The policy of this course is the UNC Asheville Alcoholic Beverage Policy (PPM No. 26) and Student Code of Community Standards with regards to the use of alcohol and other substances. Students are advised that this policy will be in effect from the commencement of travel on March 4, 2011, through the return to North Carolina on March 14, 2011. Violation of this Policy will mean that the student may be sent home immediately, be liable for the additional expenses associated with the violation, and receive an F in the course. The two Faculty Sponsors make the decision to be sent home.
As guests in various communities of Costa Rica, students must respect the cultural traditions. There may, however, be social occasions when the consumption of alcohol is appropriate, but the appropriateness is at the absolute discretion of the field course leaders and will be decided based on local law, regulations, customs, program rules, and schedules. Students are expected to behave responsibly and not indulge in the use of alcohol in ways that lead to disruptive, dangerous, lewd, or disrespectful behavior towards each other, the course leaders, or our Costa Rican hosts. Students should not use alcohol or other substances in ways that violate local standards of decency and appropriateness. If students have any questions about what these standards may be, it is their responsibility to seek guidance from the course leaders. In addition, students are required to follow directions from the course leaders about inappropriate use. Failure to follow direction regarding responsible alcohol use may result in the student being sent home immediately and that will mean additional expenses paid by the student.
The use of tobacco products may be allowed in areas designated for smoking only, but not inside of group facilities, during group meetings, homestay residences, or during group meals or events.
Students are encouraged at all times to act proactively to prevent other students from acting in ways which may result in dangerous, lewd, disrespectful behavior, which violate local standards of decency and appropriateness, and which might negatively affect the status and reputation of our group and our hosts.
I have read and understood the above agreement, and I commit to responsible and respectful behavior. I understand failure to abide by this policy may result in my being sent home immediately, incur additional expenses paid by the student, and a grade of F in the course.
Signature: ______Date: ______